McLaren Racing has announced a multi-year technology partnership with Intel, which has been appointed as the official compute partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team and official partner of the McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team.

The partnership combines Intel’s semi-conductor engineering with McLaren Racing’s on-track expertise. Under the agreement, Intel technologies will support McLaren Racing in turning large volumes of data into actionable insight through a secure, scalable compute foundation. This includes trackside edge computing to enable real-time analytics and race-day decision-making.

As part of the partnership, Intel branding will be featured on the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team cars, starting at the Montreal race this weekend. Branding will appear on one of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team cars at this year’s Freedom 250 in Washington DC and at the iconic Indy 500 from 2027.

Intel branding will also feature on the McLaren F1 Sim Racing Team on-stage simulators for the final event of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship this month. From the 2027 season, Intel will feature on the team’s virtual livery.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said, “Performance in IndyCar and Formula 1 racing is driven by technology, and partnering with Intel strengthens our ability to innovate at scale. Intel has already been an important part of our technology ecosystem, and their leadership in computing will play a critical role in how we design, build and race our cars. We’re excited to deepen this relationship even further.”

Lip-Bu Tan, CEO, Intel, added, “Formula 1 racing and IndyCar are some of the ultimate proving grounds for high-performance computing. Intel is proud to be McLaren Racing’s compute partner, and to be part of a team that thrives on precision, speed and innovation. Together, Intel and McLaren will push the boundaries of what’s possible, transforming data into competitive advantage at every turn.”

Related news, Ferrari reimagines mid-rear V8 Spider design with one-off HC25

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The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Extreme H World Cup will return to Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, for its second edition from October 29-31, 2026.

The competition features hydrogen-powered, purpose-built fuel-cell race cars, with equal male and female driver pairings and an off-road format designed to test performance, reliability and clean hydrogen energy technology under demanding conditions.

The event will take place in a purpose-built off-road environment in Qiddiya City, and will combine technical terrain, short-format racing and close head-to-head competition.

At the center of the World Cup is the Pioneer 25, Extreme H’s hydrogen-powered race car. Designed for high-performance off-road competition, it uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to showcase the potential of alternative energy systems in demanding motorsport conditions. The World Cup aims to test the limits of motorsport and related industries while encouraging investment in hydrogen infrastructure and supporting progress toward a low-carbon future.

The 2026 edition will feature a multistage competition format combining time trials, head-to-head racing and wheel-to-wheel finals. Teams will first complete timed runs to establish seeding positions, before progressing through knockout duels and close-format racing.

The return of the FIA Extreme H World Cup reflects the FIA’s broader commitment to using motorsport as a testbed for innovation. By combining hydrogen technology with an international competition format, the second edition will continue to demonstrate how motorsport can support the development and understanding of alternative energy solutions.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, said, “The return of the FIA Extreme H World Cup for its second edition marks another important step in the development of hydrogen-powered motorsport. This competition provides an important platform to test hydrogen fuel cell technology in a demanding, high-performance environment, while supporting the FIA’s wider commitment to innovation, sustainability and safety.”

He continued, “Equally, its sporting format remains an important part of its identity, with male and female drivers competing together for the same honors. This reflects the FIA’s continued ambition to support competitions that explore new technologies while promoting greater opportunity and inclusion across motorsport.”

Ali Russell, the managing director of Extreme H, added, “In 2025, we launched a completely new form of motor racing, leading the way in technology, sustainability and equality. This year, together with the FIA, our partners and the support of our host, Qiddiya City, we will go faster, further and harder. Sustainable motorsport has never looked so good.”

In related news, FIA Affordable Cross Car project underway in Egypt

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Ferrari has revealed the HC25, which has been built to the wishes of a single client. The vehicle is part of Ferrari’s One-Off series within the company’s Special Projects program, and was designed by the Ferrari Design Studio under the direction of Flavio Manzoni. It is a mid-rear internal combustion engine V8 model derived from the F8 Spider, from which it inherits its layout, chassis and internal combustion powertrain.

According to Ferrari, the main ambition when creating the car was to reinterpret the forms and aesthetic codes of the company’s mid‑rear‑engined Spiders with a bold, forward-looking perspective.

Built on the F8 Spider platform, the HC25 is based on Ferrari’s final open-top model with a mid-rear non-hybrid turbo V8 engine. Its styling features pronounced wheel arches, clean lines and sculpted surfaces inspired by Ferrari’s latest flagship models, the F80 and Ferrari 12Cilindri, linking the brand’s mid-rear V8 heritage with the design direction of newer vehicles through simple geometric forms and flowing body contours.

The dual-volume structure defines the front and rear as two distinct bodies, joined by a wrapping, highly three‑dimensional central band. This element appears as a functional black ribbon incorporating essential thermal-management components, including air intakes for the radiators and heat extraction for the powertrain.

The side profile is shaped by an arrow-like design line that extends from the rear wheel area toward the front, rises over the door and handle, then flows back into the rear screen. This design emphasizes the rear bodywork while creating a forward visual balance. The door handle is integrated into a long aluminum element that spans the body sides, separated by a central black band.

The proportions of the HC25 have been refined to minimize the visual impact of the glazing and lower the perceived shoulder line that shapes the car’s silhouette. At the front, the headlight has been created specifically for this car to achieve a very slim lens with a central indentation that perfectly mirrors the split design of the rear lights. The DRLs (daytime running lights) adopt a vertical arrangement, exploiting the leading edge of the front wings to create a distinctive boomerang shape.

The design combines gloss and matt finishes to create visual contrast. Yellow accents used on the Ferrari logos and brake calipers are reflected in the cabin, where gray technical fabric is paired with yellow graphic elements inspired by shapes used on the exterior and daytime running lights. The wheels have a five-spoke design with a diamond-finished outer rim and recessed detailing intended to enhance their visual size, while the dark-finished spokes emphasize the wheel diameter.

In related news, Lotus highlights motorsport heritage with all-new hybrid-V8 supercar

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After more than a decade away from the segment, Hankook Tire has returned to the super-sport tire market with the Ventus evo Z, a high-performance summer tire designed for both track and everyday road use. The company says the tire offers greater tread depth and durability than a semi-slick tire while maintaining grip and handling characteristics suited to track driving.

The Hankook Ventus evo Z (Z001) is a sporty summer tire with an ECE approval number, meeting all statutory requirements, including having a minimum tread depth of greater than 1.6mm. It is intended for drivers of sports cars, the tuning community, motorsport enthusiasts and competitors in junior racing series.

The development of the Ventus evo Z draws on the company’s experience in motorsport. The tire passed its test runs on the HWA Evo – a reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II racing car from the 1990s. Lessons learned from the tests were incorporated directly into the standard design.

The Ventus evo Z features an asymmetric tread design with grooves of varying depth and width for maximum stability. The aramid-reinforced belt is designed for high tread rigidity and dimensional stability under heavy load stress.

The outer shoulder is equipped with closed-cut lateral grooves, designed to maximize the contact surface with the road and increase block rigidity when cornering. The tire mixture is based on the use of liquid resin and a high-temperature-resistant resin mixture, inspired by developments in motorsport.

The size range covers the requirements of different vehicle models in the high-performance segment, including the Porsche 911, BMW M models, Audi RS, Mercedes-AMG and others. The tire will eventually be available in sizes from 18-21in, with a width of 225-355mm and an aspect ratio from 25 to 45.

Nearly all 25 tire sizes carry the (Y) speed rating, indicating approval for speeds above 300km/h; the remaining sizes are rated Y for speeds up to 300km/h.

Related news, Pirelli introduces medium rear tire for WorldSBK in Czech Republic

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Pirelli has announced that it will introduce the F0468 rear specification for the WorldSBK round in the Czech Republic, which is held at a circuit known for being particularly demanding on tires.

The tire maker will introduce the new F0468 medium rear specification for the fifth round of the FIM Superbike World Championship at the Czech circuit of Most, which is known for placing high mechanical stress on tires. The solution uses the same compound as the D0922 but features a new structure designed to improve performance consistency over race distance and enhance stability. It represents an evolution of the E0829, sharing the same compound but incorporating updated construction for improved performance.

Alongside the Superbike class, riders in the Supersport and SportBike World Championships will also compete at Most. Supersport competitors will have the same front tire options as the premier class – soft SC1 and medium SC2 – while at the rear they will use the soft SC0 and medium SC1. The SC1 rear has also been used throughout the season at both axles by SportBike competitors.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli‘s motorcycling racing director, said, “Over more than two decades as supplier to the Superbike World Championship, Pirelli has built an extremely solid and versatile tire range. The SCX supersoft rear solution now represents an absolute benchmark for riders and is used in most races on the calendar, with the soft SC0 becoming a valid alternative on some occasions. There are, however, some circuits that are particularly demanding on tires, such as Phillip Island and Most, which by virtue of their layout and intrinsic characteristics require more specific solutions and more durable compounds, typically medium options.

“In these cases, development work focuses on improving key parameters such as performance and consistency over race distance, objectives that guided the design of the new rear solution in F0468 specification. To complete the allocation, riders will in any case also have the well-proven D0922 option available, which has shown that it can effectively handle the particular stresses imposed by this circuit. It will be interesting to assess whether the new F0468 medium will be able to raise the performance level beyond that of the D0922 further still.”

In related news, CIV continues with Dunlop as exclusive tire supplier and development partner

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Lotus Cars has announced Focus 2030, an updated business strategy to strengthen the company’s competitiveness and create a more flexible and sustainable business model to support resilience amid challenging market conditions.

Built on four core pillars – brand reinforcement, a multipowertrain strategy, close partner collaboration and financial discipline – Focus 2030 marks a significant reset for the brand.

Lotus Group CEO Qingfeng Feng said, “Lotus was born from the rebellious spirit of Colin Chapman, and that is not lost today. Focus 2030 will reset both the brand and the business to keep us true to our DNA. We are obsessed with engineering, obsessed with performance and obsessed with building drivers’ cars, and that is what will grow this business.”

Lotus Cars said it will continue to base all vehicle development decisions on its core principles of lightweight design, aerodynamics, engineering performance, and driver engagement, regardless of product type or powertrain. The company said its design and engineering operations will remain rooted in the UK, while research and development activities in China will support faster scalability and market delivery.

As regulatory requirements and consumer demand continue to evolve at different rates across global markets, Lotus Cars said it will adopt a flexible approach across internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery-electric vehicle (BEV) technologies. In the near term, the company is targeting an electrified portfolio mix of approximately 60% PHEV and 40% BEV, while supporting what it describes as a customer-led transition toward full electrification.

The company has said the first product initiative under its new strategy will be X-Hybrid, which combines Lotus’s ICE and BEV expertise. The system is reportedly designed to offer long range, flexibility, practicality, sustained performance and Lotus’s characteristic driver engagement.

The proprietary X-Hybrid technology was first launched on the Eletre, as Eletre X. Customer deliveries in Europe are expected to begin in Q4 2026, making it the first technology of its kind to come to market, according to Lotus.

Reaffirming its performance-focused DNA, Lotus Cars said its next step in developing proprietary hybrid technology will be the unveiling of its first supercar, Type 135, planned for 2028. The model is expected to feature a V8 hybrid powertrain producing over 1,000ps and will be manufactured in Europe, with further details due to be announced later this year.

Daniel Li, chairman of the board of directors at Lotus Technology, and executive vice chairman of Geely Holding Group, said, “Geely has believed in Lotus from the beginning, and that belief has not wavered. We are committed to giving Lotus the resources it deserves to compete at the highest level. What Lotus brings is irreplaceable, and Focus 2030 is proof that we take that responsibility seriously. We are excited for the next chapter in the brand’s story.”

In related news, VW to bring Golf R to N24 in 2027

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MdynamiX and BMW M Motorsport have entered into a strategic technical partnership. At the core of the collaboration is virtual driving for high-performance vehicle development, to accelerate development processes and unlock performance potential earlier and more efficiently.

BMW M Motorsport will use MdynamiX’s extensive expertise in driving experience evaluation, virtual development methods and precise steering system simulation. MdynamiX will also provide its proprietary high-performance force feedback steering systems for this purpose.

The technology is designed to deliver a highly realistic driving experience through the steering system, which serves as a key interface between the driver and the vehicle.

Using proprietary force-feedback hardware and detailed steering system simulation models, racing drivers and engineers can evaluate steering characteristics early in the development process, allowing vehicle dynamics and steering feedback to be optimized before physical prototypes are built. The development environment enables complex steering systems to be virtually validated under racing conditions, with faster iterations and reliable decision-making foundations reportedly resulting in improved performance and shortened development cycles.

“The importance of virtual driving experience development in motorsport continues to grow,” said Erik Schuivens, head of vehicle performance and simulation at BMW M Motorsport. “With MdynamiX, we are working with a partner that not only provides methodological support but also delivers the technological foundation through its proprietary force feedback steering systems, allowing vehicle behavior to be experienced with exceptional precision in the simulator.”

“BMW M Motorsport stands for precise engineering and performance,” added Prof. Dr Peter Pfeffer, the CEO of MdynamiX. “The fact that our expertise in steering system simulation and our force feedback hardware now contribute to the performance of these vehicles validates our approach. Together, we are setting new standards in virtual driving experience development.”

In related news, Ansible launches Delta T1 Sport simulator

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Ansible Motion has launched the Delta T1 Sport, a motorsport simulator designed to deliver high-fidelity vehicle dynamics, ultra-low latency and an immersive driving environment.

The first production unit will be delivered to Lola Cars to support its vehicle development programs, including preparations for its ABB FIA Formula E World Championship GEN4 campaign.

Optimized for single-seater and cockpit racing series, such as Super Formula, LMP2, LMH/LMDh, Formula E, F2, F3, F4 and Formula Regional categories, the Delta T1 Sport reportedly opens the door to engineering-class DIL capability for race teams, drivers and organizations where space, infrastructure, installation complexities and cost of ownership have traditionally been barriers.

The simulator features an all-new Triform motion system that blends a uniquely high mechanical stiffness and low dynamic mass, to deliver elite physics, along with trusted, repeatable, tunable motion performance, Ansible reports.

Dan Clark, Ansible Motion’s managing director, said, “Delta T1 Sport delivers the fidelity that drivers and engineers crave, in a compact, easy-to-install and operate, inclusive package that has not been available until now. This new class of simulator will unlock fresh opportunities for teams to efficiently pursue and extract vehicle performance gains by leveraging a streamlined, optimized approach. Our customers will benefit from best-in-class, combined solutions in terms of technical integration, technical support and value, with the freedom to distinctively configure aspects of their DIL simulation environment that ultimately lead to competitive advantages.”

Delta T1 Sport in Formula E

The first production Delta T1 Sport will be delivered to Lola Cars’ Silverstone headquarters. The British motorsport company will draw on the benefits of virtual development for its Formula E program, with a wider range of DIL-simulator-supported initiatives set to follow in the longer term.

Till Bechtolsheimer, chairman of Lola Cars, commented, “We are delighted that Lola will be the first user of the pioneering Delta T1 Sport simulator, which will efficiently connect to our existing workflows, enabling us to accelerate our engineering processes and improve development as we strive to drive innovation through motorsport.”

Peter McCool, technical director of Lola Cars, continued, “We do not underestimate the impact this technology will have on our car development, software validation and race preparation, for both Formula E and future projects.”

Scalable architecture

As the latest addition to Ansible Motion’s DIL Sport simulator portfolio, Delta T1 Sport follows the Theta Seat Sport (already trusted in Formula E) and Theta Cube Sport (used by a European motorsport customer).

The DIL Sport range is designed for motorsport engineering applications, offering high dynamic fidelity, ultra-low latency and enhanced driver realism. The system also supports seamless integration with racing software and hardware environments to help in vehicle development and testing workflows.

“Within six-degrees-of-freedom motion space, DIL simulators must, first and foremost, deliver sufficient ground-plane fidelity – especially for vehicle dynamics and motorsport applications, where vehicle directional control and stability dominate the virtual test-driving experience,” said Elliot Dason-Barber, Ansible Motion’s technical director. “Many simulators miss this fundamental point by starting with legacy hexapods and then working backward to sort out additional motion requirements with appendages that add complexity and cost.”

Compact, six-degrees-of-freedom motion system

At the core of the Delta T1 Sport is Ansible Motion’s Triform motion system (AML TMS1), which is designed for motorsport and high-performance simulation applications.

The system uses updated kinematics and motion generation technology, aiming to retain elements of the company’s Stratiform motion approach while reducing the overall physical footprint.

The Delta T1 Sport offers a payload capacity of up to 300kg, supporting drivers and racing cockpits, and provides a six-degrees-of-freedom motion system with 1m surge, 1.2m sway, 0.2m heave, 22° roll, 16° pitch and 120° yaw.

Ansible Motion says the motion envelope has been optimized based on its experience in DIL simulation, to support realistic feedback on vehicle dynamics, including handling, track conditions and stability.

The system also includes a configurable motion cueing package, allowing sensory feedback to be tailored to different racing series, driver profiles and vehicle setups.

This overall motion space is efficiently packaged within a low-mass, 2.4 x 2.4m floor footprint, which enables flexibility of location and operation without special facility or flooring requirements.

Salman Safdar, Ansible Motion’s business development director, said, “The Delta T1 Sport also includes a number of bespoke driver feedback and immersion systems to suit physical space, budget and performance requirements, as well as futureproofing and upgrade pathways. These include, but are not limited to, multiple space-efficient vision systems, including projectors, LED walls, extended reality (XR) and virtual reality (VR) options; configurable race car cockpits; active dashboard and steering wheel interaction capabilities; adjustable racing seats; configurable pedals; haptic and torque feedback for steering; and harness and helmet loading systems.”

In related news, McLaren unveils 2027 LMDh contender and limited edition track car

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The Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE) has begun work to bring the FIA Affordable Cross Car to Egypt, the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to adopt the project.

The Egyptian FIA Affordable Cross Car will be manufactured using locally sourced materials and offer accessible, entry-level motorsport to people across the country. The FIA Affordable Cross Car was launched by the FIA to expand the base of the road sport pyramid and offer an accessible route for new competitors to participate in events such as Rally or Rallycross.

Training has already begun in preparation for the introduction of an Egyptian National Cross Car Championship using cross cars manufactured elsewhere.

Ali Eissa, president of ATCE, said, “Thanks to the initiative of the FIA president and through his Development Fund, ATCE was able to introduce the FIA Affordable Cross Car project in Egypt, marking a major step forward in developing grassroots motorsport.”

He continued, “This initiative will expand the access to entry-level competition, strengthen the foundation of the motorsport pyramid, and create a clear pathway for new drivers, achieving a breakthrough in enhancing, promoting and improving motorsport in Egypt; not only that but it will make it possible for ATCE to avail of this low-cost racing car for the local market, the countries of the MENA region and eventually the whole African continent. We look forward to seeing it come to fruition in the coming months.”

In related news, FIA and Formula E debut Gen4 car with major gains in performance, speed and sustainability

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Volkswagen has confirmed plans to enter the 24h Nurburgring in 2027 with a dedicated racing version of the current Golf R in partnership with long-standing collaborator Max Kruse Racing. A show car previewing the project will be unveiled to the public on the Ring Boulevard at the Nurburgring.

The program marks the 25th anniversary of the Volkswagen R brand, and carries particular symbolic weight given the name itself is derived from ‘racing’, an activity VW has somewhat shied away from since it left the WRC in 2016. The Golf R 24H will be built around an all-wheel drive configuration engineered to handle the demands of the Nordschleife, though Volkswagen has stopped short of disclosing technical details at this stage.

It also signals a new chapter for Volkswagen at the race. The brand previously contested the event across three editions with the Golf GTI Clubsport, with Max Kruse Racing involved throughout. Team co-founder Benjamin Leuchter will lead the new program, combining his role as program manager with his existing responsibilities as a test and development driver for Volkswagen’s performance road car models.

“The 24h Nurburgring is the toughest test for us under real competitive conditions,” said Reinhold Ivenz, head of Volkswagen R. “The Nurburgring is also our test and development track, and we will meet people at the 24h race who share our passion for performance, which is why the project is a perfect match for Volkswagen R.”

Ivenz added that the show car makes the team’s 2027 vision tangible at an early stage, and promised “the most spectacular Golf R to date” when the full racing car is revealed.

Further technical details are expected as development progresses ahead of the race  entry.

Related news, McLaren unveils 2027 LMDh contender and limited edition track car

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